Experiencing unwanted robocalls can be incredibly irritating. Now, individuals may receive compensation for these disturbances. UnitedHealthcare has consented to a $2.5 million settlement in response to a lawsuit claiming the healthcare provider made unauthorized telemarketing calls. If you qualify, you could receive between $350 and $1,000—but it’s important to act swiftly before the deadline.
Here’s all the essential information, including how to determine your eligibility and the steps to file a claim.
What Led to the UnitedHealthcare Settlement?
The lawsuit accused UnitedHealthcare of breaching the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) by making pre-recorded telemarketing calls without authorization. This federal legislation aims to safeguard consumers from unsolicited robocalls and spam.
The lawsuit stated that over 12,000 individuals received calls from UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare and Retirement Non-Licensed Retention Team, Community and State National Retention Team, or Medicare and Retirement Collections Team between January 9, 2015, and January 9, 2019—despite not being members or providing permission to be contacted.
To settle the lawsuit, UnitedHealthcare has agreed to offer compensation to those who were impacted.
Who Qualifies for Compensation?
You may qualify for compensation if:
You received one or more pre-recorded phone calls from UnitedHealthcare’s retention or collections teams between January 9, 2015, and January 9, 2019. You were not a UnitedHealthcare member or an authorized third party who had provided consent to receive such calls. You received a settlement notice via email or postal mail informing you of your eligibility.
If these conditions apply to you, you can submit a claim for your payment.
What is the Claim Amount?
The settlement suggests that eligible individuals will receive between $350 and $1,000, although the specific amount is dependent on the total number of claims submitted.
Steps to File a Claim
If you have received a settlement notice, it will include a unique login code and password for filing your claim online. Follow these steps:
Online: Go to the official claims website provided in your notice, enter your unique login credentials, and submit your claim electronically. By Mail: Download the claim form, print it, complete it, and send it to the address listed in your notice prior to the deadline.
Claim Filing Deadline: April 15, 2025
If you are eligible and take no action, you will not receive any payment.
What Comes Next?
The court will assess the settlement and deliver a final approval on June 20, 2025. If approved, payments will be made to eligible claimants.
Ongoing Consumer Concerns?
This settlement comes on the heels of a significant data breach that occurred earlier in 2024, which compromised sensitive information of nearly 190 million UnitedHealth Group customers. This breach affected Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth, leading to many healthcare providers being unable to process payments.
While the current settlement isn’t linked to the data breach, it underscores ongoing worries regarding how major companies manage consumer data and their communications.
Key Takeaway
If you have received a settlement notice, make sure not to overlook it! Claiming is straightforward and quick, and you stand to gain a considerable payout. Examine your email or mail thoroughly, follow the provided steps, and submit your claim by April 15, 2025.
As robocalls continue to be a rising concern, this case serves as a reminder that consumers possess rights, and companies can be held accountable for infringing upon those rights.
Image Source: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock
